When Eichler homes began popping up in Northern and Southern California during the 1950s and ’60s, it was the beginning of an architectural revolution. The man leading the charge was Joseph Eichler, a builder and real estate developer with a vision for bringing reasonably priced, modern homes to the middle class.
In all, Eichler’s firm built more than 11,000 residences in the Golden State, each typically featuring post-and-beam construction, a flat or low-sloping roof, clean lines, and an open-concept floor plan. Like all modernist design, Eichler homes are void of excessive embellishment and celebrate the great outdoors via strategically placed skylights and floor-to-ceiling windows.
“Eichler homes hold a unique and compelling charm that captivates homebuyers,” says Phoebe Reyes, a Realtor® with Bay Area Modern Real Estate, currently representing the seller of an Eichler in San Rafael, CA. “The simplicity and functionality of the architecture resonates with those who appreciate modern and minimalist aesthetics.”
Reyes also points out that Eichler home developments often foster a sense of community, thanks to centrally located communal spaces like parks and recreation centers.
Today, Eichler’s legacy endures. For homebuyers with an appreciation for midcentury architecture, it can be especially exciting when one of these gems hits the market.
Let’s take a look at eight noteworthy Eichler homes that are listed right now.
1. 529 Appleberry Dr, San Rafael, CA
Price: $1,575,000
Thoughtfully remodeled: According to Reyes, this four-bedroom Eichler in idyllic Marin County has been in the same family since it was built in 1957. Although the home recently underwent a renovation, many original features remain, including the kitchen cabinetry, fireplace, glass-globe lights in the kitchen, and built-in desk in the front bedroom.
2. 5275 Greenridge Rd, Castro Valley, CA
Price: $1,999,000
Eichler with an ADU: This 2,500-square-foot property is one of 200 homes constructed by Eichler in the Greenridge neighborhood of Castro Valley, CA. The impeccable home comes with a number of classic modernist features, including the atrium, open-concept great room, floor-to-ceiling windows, and exposed beams.
The exterior lighting, house numbers, and the mahogany paneling are among the property’s original details that are still in place, according to listing agent Thomas Westfall, a Realtor® with Compass.
Although the house was built in 1960, it’s been fully equipped with modern conveniences such as a solar-panel system, tankless water heater, and UV-safe windows.
Situated behind the main dwelling is a sparkling pool and a newly built, fully permitted, 750-square-foot accessory dwelling unit (ADU) with two bedrooms and a private deck.
3. 17037 Nanette St, Granada Hills, CA
Price: $1,599,999
Mountain views: Built in 1963 by lauded modernist architect A. Quincy Jones (who frequently collaborated with Eichler), this historic, four-bedroom A-frame has been impeccably preserved and lightly updated over the years. Inside, you’ll find a newer kitchen, updated bathrooms, and air conditioning.
Quintessential midcentury modern design elements abound, including the atrium entryway, post-and-beam ceiling, and rear floor-to-ceiling windows.
But the property’s real selling point is its massive backyard spread that looks like a setting in a Slim Aarons photograph. Built for entertaining and enjoying the Southern California sun, the space includes a pool, sunken outdoor living room with a fireplace, outdoor kitchen, and drought-tolerant landscaping.
4. 470 El Capitan Pl, Palo Alto, CA
Price: $3,500,000
Open-concept contemporary: This four-bedroom home was built in 1954, toward the beginning of Eichler’s period of development in California. Situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, the home is part of the Greenmeadow neighborhood and comes with access to the community pool and park.
After just seven days on the market, it appears to have already charmed a buyer and is currently pending sale.
5. 10 Woodcreek Ct, San Mateo, CA
Price: $2,588,000
Totally turnkey: Nestled inside the San Mateo Highlands—aka the largest contiguous Eichler development—this 1,760-square-foot home was treated to a tasteful remodel and is ready for a buyer who’s craving a clean, contemporary house with historic roots.
There’s a harmonious flow between the living room, dining room, and kitchen thanks to the open-concept floor plan. A large island anchors the chef’s kitchen, while three cone-shape pendant lights nod to the home’s midcentury heritage.
The modernist architecture continues in the backyard with a patio that’s partially covered by an overhang with two built-in skylights.
6. 12646 Jimeno Ave, Granada Hills, CA
Price: $1,449,500
Antique A-frame: Located in the historic Balboa Highlands community, this impeccable midcentury home was also designed by architect A. Quincy Jones. It features an atrium with room for seating, a private backyard with an updated eco-friendly pool and spa and a newer kitchen.
7. 1714 Celeste Dr, San Mateo, CA
Price: $2,298,888
Walls of windows: This “symbol of modernist excellence” was built in 1956 and recently received a luxurious overhaul to appeal to today’s homebuyers. The four-bedroom house features a brand-new chef’s kitchen plus an expansive en suite primary bedroom that was created by combining two smaller bedrooms.
Floor-to-ceiling windows in the main living area overlook the backyard, which boasts manicured landscaping and a seating area.
8. 994 Loma Verde Ave, Palo Alto, CA
Price: $2,998,000
Solar powered: Fun fact: Palo Alto has more Eichler homes than any other city in California, and this three-bed, two-bath abode in the Palo Verde neighborhood is part of that legacy.
The 1,800-square-foot property was built in 1958 and features a number of Eichler’s noteworthy innovations, including skylights and radiant heat throughout.
